Any group of people consistently working together will have a culture: norms, preferred communication style, unwritten rules, and a host of other things. That’s culture. Alternatively, companies can stop trying to engineer their culture and focus on the type of *behavior* they let in/kick out.

Most people are drawn to those who are like-minded. Even diverse perspectives become more homogenous after time. Hire open-minded people to allow divergent thinkers room. But let in some “stalwarts.” These types keep people/projects from going over the edge when others catch the “Oooh shiny!” bug.

On dress codes: another topic in “things that shouldn’t matter but do because people.” Don’t dictate dress - mostly. I don’t want to see your tampon string and don’t you dare walk around without shoes. No “funny” shirts with hateful shit either. Also don’t penalize people who rather “dress up.” I will never feel like I’m putting my best foot forward in a T-shirt and jeans.

Are software engineers becoming individualistic? As a former scrum master and agile coach, I found their hyperindividualism (aka herding cats) to be a tremendous barrier in building a delivery pipeline. I think they shaved half a year off my life lol.